Eastern Canada - Experience at MEC Bike Shop

I must say I'm surprised. I'd never gone to MEC to get some work done on my bike but I was in a pinch. I needed a couple minor things that I wasn't comfortable doing myself completed. My own bike shop, despite me having bout a $3000 bike, still had to have me wait 1 week for an appointment to get the work done (about 20 minutes of work). I won't say I deserve better service than the rest..I'm just upset is all.

I saw on MEC's website that they advertise "most minor repairs / work done while you shop". So I tried my luck on a very busy Saturday (busy enough that they had a cop acting as security at the front).

Took my bike to the back, said I needed a couple parts installed (which I bought else where). The mechanic started off with "wow, sweet bike dude" and we just started chit chatting etc...He invited me to the back, performed the labour with me without me even having to ask if it could be done right away...even allowed me to stay in the back so he could show me how the work that he was performing was done.

At the end, he did not even charge me what he should have charged me...

All in all, great experience today at the Toronto MEC.

The trick is to go on a Saturday when the regular weekday zombies are not at work. Better yet - avoid the place like the plague when it comes to bike related issues.

I haven't found the bike (or bike clothing) staff to be especially knowledgable when it comes to their products but I'm glad you had a good experience!

Let me reiterate, I was dealing with the mechanics, not the sales personel

The trick is to go on a Saturday when the regular weekday zombies are not at work. Better yet - avoid the place like the plague when it comes to bike related issues.

UH, i think you misread... OP said his MEC bike experience was great.

lol

I haven't had any work done there but their sales staff knows next to nothing about the bike parts they sell. They're super nice and will do whatever they can to get you any info they can find, but base bike knowledge is usually less than mine :)
If they have it, it's usually my go to spot for parts though.
I did buy some cable housing from the shop guys. Gave me a deal too :)

great experience today


avoid the place like the plague

On BF, this is what we call a consensus.

On BF, this is what we call a consensus.

That is a consensus in as much as that is not a consensus, by which i mean yes we are in total agreement.

The MEC store in Toronto is a pustule. MEC has no business selling bikes. None at all - bikes are a thousand kilometers from the mandate of the cooperative.

The horrid attitude and service from the weekday staff at the Toronto MEC is funny to watch: unless you need some help. That guy that walks around with his Tim Hortons' bilge and pretends to work is straight out of Fred Flintstone.

The MEC store in Toronto is a pustule. MEC has no business selling bikes. None at all - bikes are a thousand kilometers from the mandate of the cooperative.

The horrid attitude and service from the weekday staff at the Toronto MEC is funny to watch: unless you need some help. That guy that walks around with his Tim Hortons' bilge and pretends to work is straight out of Fred Flintstone.

Really? Nobody has cut me horrible attitude.. but then i'm used to the typical Canadian customer service. :D

As per selling bikes, it has been on their todo list for a while... The co-op doesn't need permission from the bicycle selling union to start their own bicycle store. lol.. what is next throwing bottom brackets through the front window with naughty notes attached? hehe

What i don't like is how they're moving to a Canadian REI position... Sorry but, REI sucks.

The MEC store in Toronto is a pustule. MEC has no business selling bikes. None at all - bikes are a thousand kilometers from the mandate of the cooperative.

The horrid attitude and service from the weekday staff at the Toronto MEC is funny to watch: unless you need some help. That guy that walks around with his Tim Hortons' bilge and pretends to work is straight out of Fred Flintstone.

Wow - who peed in your cornflakes? :eek: Sounds like you need to spend some time on your bike, instead of in front of the computer... :)

I've been a happy MEC member for over 10 years, and have never found any staff to be anything but helpful. I'm not sure I'd buy any of the bikes they're selling at the moment, (although the folder looks interesting) but more power to them!

BTW - what does someone's coffee choice have to do with customer service?

I've always had a good experience with MEC, been buying stuff from them since they opened (I think that was back in the '70's or early '80s). Sure you may run into a grumpy sales person or two but 99% of the time they're friendly and helpful even when I have no clue about what i'm talking about. I find the sales people pretty good technically too, and the mechanics are great!

Also, what's wrong with them selling bikes?

I've always had a good experience with MEC, been buying stuff from them since they opened (I think that was back in the '70's or early '80s). Sure you may run into a grumpy sales person or two but 99% of the time they're friendly and helpful even when I have no clue about what i'm talking about. I find the sales people pretty good technically too, and the mechanics are great!

Also, what's wrong with them selling bikes?

I'm also not sure what the problem is with them selling bike. Although none of their bikes are on my purchase list, I find their staff to be generally very friendly and helpful. I agree with some other posters that their sales staff are not all that knowledgeable when it comes to technical things. I haven't ever received any service, but when looking for some small bits of hardware (nuts, mounting bolts, etc.) they have often just given them to me when I ask how much they want for them.

Selling bikes is not part of the co-op mandate of mec. There are a hundred better paces to buy a better bike.

All that aside - the horrid midweek antics at the Toronto MEC store ought to stop.

Selling bikes is not part of the co-op mandate of mec.

MEC can sell whatever it's membership wants it to sell. You don't like it, run for board membership.

Selling bikes is not part of the co-op mandate of mec. There are a hundred better paces to buy a better bike.

All that aside - the horrid midweek antics at the Toronto MEC store ought to stop.

Lol, horrid midweek antics? Please explain, i'm sure it's very startling and unsettling. I always wondered what went on on that "green roof".

There are a few other places to buy a bike, but a lot of them aren't any better and some are worse.

Selling bikes is not part of the co-op mandate of mec. There are a hundred better paces to buy a better bike.

All that aside - the horrid midweek antics at the Toronto MEC store ought to stop.

From the MEC website:



Our Purpose

Directed by the members, MEC fulfills its core purpose – to help people enjoy the benefits of self-propelled wilderness-oriented recreation. We do that by selling outdoor gear, clothing, and services.


Wouldn't bikes fall under self-propelled recreation? You may prefer to buy your bike somewhere else, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't sell them.

Not sure what sort of horrid mid-week antics you're talking about...

You sound angry. Perhaps you should get out on your bike for a ride. :lol:

the people that rant on forums are just as likely to be angry on the road as well. there are some that are wound too tight for just about everything.

MEC can sell whatever it's membership wants it to sell. You don't like it, run for board membership.


Yes and no - the current Wal-martized MEC is disturbing to people who were in on the grass roots. One day we will get our beer and smokes there as well.

I have been a member since a good while - shopped at most stores. The Toronto location midweek is beyond the pale.

This is not a rant - this is a dispassionate observation based on many many experiences and interviews with staffmembers - downright scientific.

Yes and no - the current Wal-martized MEC is disturbing to people who were in on the grass roots. One day we will get our beer and smokes there as well.
It often happens that people who were in early on some venture have a sense of ownership and community and can feel pushed aside or resent the changes and crowds that new people bring. You can even see it on BF where some oldtimers of my vintage might see you as some noob interloper. Not that I feel that way - I'm just giving an example.

the people that rant on forums are just as likely to be angry on the road as well. there are some that are wound too tight for just about everything.

excess tone can cause anal fissures.


MEC has consistently given me the best customer service in the city. Most staff are fairly knowledgable throughout the store, and if not, they go out of their way to help you in whatever way they can. Never seen anything else give that kind of time and commitment to customers. These guys spend buttloads of time with customers to help them decide on purchases, and most of the customer's that go there are completely clueless.

That said, I usually don't ask them too many questions as I do usually know more depth and breadth on bike issues, but the sales staff know their own products pretty well.

I think the biggest thing that MEC is doing right is customer service and bang for your buck.
I've noticed that so many local bike shops have become clique-ish. Catering only to road/bmx/mountain or whatever riders. Sales staff can range from helpful to uninterested to downright rude.
I haven't once had a rude or unhelpful staff experience at MEC. Their gear isn't top of the line, but it's usually durable and affordable, and they have a stellar return and replacement policy.

Their prices are pretty good as well. Distributors in Canada generally overcharge, and if MEC can jiggle the system, maybe it might spur other shops to lower their prices, and stock better gear.

I think the key point we have to remember is that all this appeals to people who don't want to drop huge amounts on bikes and bike parts, and need guidance.

I think the biggest thing that MEC is doing right is customer service and bang for your buck.
...
Their gear isn't top of the line, but it's usually durable and affordable, and they have a stellar return and replacement policy.

Their prices are pretty good as well. Distributors in Canada generally overcharge, and if MEC can jiggle the system, maybe it might spur other shops to lower their prices, and stock better gear.

I think the key point we have to remember is that all this appeals to people who don't want to drop huge amounts on bikes and bike parts, and need guidance.

Yup, some of the MEC stuff isn't that trendy and cutting edge, but generally it fits the bill using proven technology. MEC's in-house gear has a good ROI, particularly if you aren't out there to drop dough on the big names - which is a bit of a diminishing return IMO.

I haven't had any work done there but their sales staff knows next to nothing about the bike parts they sell. They're super nice and will do whatever they can to get you any info they can find, but base bike knowledge is usually less than mine :)
If they have it, it's usually my go to spot for parts though.
I did buy some cable housing from the shop guys. Gave me a deal too :)

I have had work done on two touring bikes at MEC in Burlington. Work done within a day each time, this as compared to the my regular LBS where I where I have to wait a week plus for work to be done
Bob

I LOVE MEC!
MEC Burlington is where it is at! I was in a pinch and walked in with my bike on a Sunday and it was put up on the stand and the install was done as I waited.

Now I am able to ride on a holiday Monday! Go MEC Go.

You can't expect one bike store to meet all your needs - I use 4, my 2 LBS stores for convenience and MTB related gear (not completely happy with either of them), MEC for mostly cheaper proices on regular stuff and clothing, and Racer Sportif for my road bike. Don't know how anyone can equate MEC with Wal mart - MEC is owned by its members, seems to treat its staff OK, provides advice on its website and in the store and supports bike/environmental causes. Their bikes don't excite me but I can just go elsewhere.

I like shopping at MEC. I have been to several of their stores around the country and was satisfied with each of my visits... I think I always found something that fit the need I had at the time and I always found the staff helpful.
And while maybe MEC was not selling bikes in the '70s, that certainly does not mean it is somehow against their principals. THe bikes, although I have only seen them online and int he catalogue, look like sturdy bikes with reasonably good prices.

The funniest statement in this thread, though, is "My own bike shop, despite me having bout a $3000 bike, still had to have me wait 1 week for an appointment to get the work done (about 20 minutes of work). I won't say I deserve better service than the rest..I'm just upset is all."

If you don't think you should be moved to the front of the line what are you upset about? Buying a fancy bike does not entitle you to have work done at your convenience.
Buying tools does, because you can do the work yorself... but not a fancy bike.

I suggested they sell bikes about 20 years ago. At around that time stuff was so bad I had to go to the US to find a mountain bike. That might have been 25 years ago. MTBs did sound like something for a Mountain Co-op, to sell, but they waited until the time was right for city bikes... It would have been cool back then if they had gotten into it because there was so little around. They didn't initially get into bikes only because they figured the service side was too much trouble.

As far as the expertise is concerned, who cares. The bottom line is that most bike stores including favorites of mine like Urabane (near TO MEC) aren't that great either. I have walked by with ears open and it is mostly nonsense that comes out of clerks mouths. It is open to question whether getting a clerk who is a 20%er is worse than a 66%er: One might actually fall for something coming out of the latter's mouth. You are on your own. If you are smart enough to know whether these guys are dead wood and carry on about it on a forum, that shouldn't be a problem for you.

On the service front, I was in Urbane a week ago Saturday, trying to buy a fork. No service. There were two fixie customers there with complicated problems related to bringing antique bikes into a new world never envisioned by the builder. They are probably still there. To paraphrase, the service tech's gravestone will read: "God Finally Caught His Eye"

My experience with MEC Montreal is that they have a huge section of parts and tools. Many local bike shops just want to sell bikes and that's all they care about. I've gone to MEC and bought parts and tools, and the service was pretty good. They are never the least bit pushy with their sales. I've never had them suggest that I should buy a bike (although to be fair, their bikes aren't too great), and I've never had them ask me if I wanted work done, when I just wanted to buy parts and do the work myself.

Maybe there is kind of a walmart/big-box-store feeling, but that is fine as far as I'm concerned. I like the fact that their bike accessories, parts and tools sections are as big as most bike shops.

It kind of sucks that they're so far away from where I live, but that just keeps me from buying too much bike stuff...

A lot of the MEC mechanics actually take part in youth programs for bike advocacy. They're great with kids in high school and teaching them how to fix their bikes. I love how programs like these where mechanics are sharing their expertise with young minds are slowly appearing across the city.

But then again, I was one of those 'kids' not too long ago and now I am supporting mechanics around the city like the ones from MEC who are willing to share their expertise. So, my personal experience with MEC has been a good one, regardless of my slight bias opinion.

Our MEC here is nothing but awesome... the head mechanic used to run his own shop and is on my short list of people I would let work on my bike and the Cycling Coordinator is my little sister. She knows more about cycling than most and sometimes struggles with the customers who come in and will look over and around her trying to find someone who knows something about cycling.

Our store is a B store and should not be carrying bicycles or offering service but they insisted and seem to be doing well in the sales and service end of things.

And unlike many shops, they pay better wages and offer benefits to their staff.

The MEC in downtown Toronto is a model of bad service and Toronto arrogance. Needed a few lights on a Friday night and what a chore - steer clear I say.

The MEC in downtown Toronto is a model of bad service and Toronto arrogance. Needed a few lights on a Friday night and what a chore - steer clear I say.

What, of all the lights on display, you couldn't just pick one? I think you have the problem, not MEC.

The MEC in downtown Toronto is a model of bad service and Toronto arrogance. Needed a few lights on a Friday night and what a chore - steer clear I say.

Hey, what do you expect from a bunch of pinkos! Though service at mec is far above that at the model of capitalism, Walmart.

Maybe you're asking too much.

The MEC in downtown Toronto is a model of bad service and Toronto arrogance. Needed a few lights on a Friday night and what a chore - steer clear I say.

What? I've never had a problem here. The service is great, but yes, some sales staff don't know bikes all that well. I'm applying for a job there myself, hopefully I'll get the bike dept., and may be able to remedy that situation ;) But, seriously, they try their best, and are very friendly and often very helpful. I often go on a friday night and have no problems, excepting transit/parking downtown. I've had problems with service at many other bike shops - especially Urbane Cyclist. Most private shop people are friendly, but a large-enough portion are bike snobs who want to make you feel like you know nothing - being only teenage, I've had poorer service and "high-and-mighty" opinions thrown at me based on component choices. Just be wary of that - at MEC i've had no such problem.

Hey, what do you expect from a bunch of pinkos! Though service at mec is far above that at the model of capitalism, Walmart.

Maybe you're asking too much.

I see what you did there and I'm from Montreal.:lol:

I've never had a bad experience at the Toronto MEC bike department. I do my own work, so I can't comment on their repair service, but their attitude has always been good and they gave me free bolts once.

I've never had a bad experience at the Toronto MEC bike department. I do my own work, so I can't comment on their repair service, but their attitude has always been good .

+1

I think someone's just cranky. "Steer clear (of them) I say". :lol:

@ RedWhiteandRED

Do you by any chance own a store that competes with MEC. You seem fairly intent on having pepole NOT go in there. Having worked there myself for two years (in Montreal) I know that not all staff are trained/knowlegeable (sp?) in all departments. I dont know squat about bikes but I could write a book on climbing gear or technical fabrics.
Anyway, I just wanted to defend the CO-OP a bit because a far as bang-for-your-buck goes, its pretty sweet. Furthermore, their return policy is second to NONE. Can you show me a LBS where you can buy a bike, ride the heck out of it for a a season, then bring it back and say "I didnt like it", then get your full money back? Probably not.
That is all :)

The MEC in Calgary is terrific.
The MEC in Quebec City is terrific.
The MEC in Vancouver... great.
Halifax - great.

The MEC in Toronto on a weekend or Friday night - decent. The part time staff are there brimming with enthusiasm and all eager to help and generally knowledgeable.

The Toronto store is brutal when the regular full time staff are in action - or asleep - Monday to Friday from open to about 7pm. here is one guy that walks around with his Tim Horton's cup all day pretending to work.....

Went to MEC this past Sunday to get some tires. It was relatively busy and I didn't what size I needed for my tires. The staff was extremely helpful, not only they told me what size I needed they also explained to me what the numbers meant. I'm very happy with my experience at MEC and the prices are very reasonable.

I am a new member of MEC and, in my few visits to my local store in Burlington, I have been very impressed. I have made no major purchases as yet but still get treated as if my few dollars are as important to them as larger purchases. It felt very good.

Cheers,

Brian J.

Like any store, you can sometimes get an employee on a bad day, or even a bad employee, but I agree with the MEC-backers. The return policy is great, equipment is fine and staff can go out of their way to be helpful.

But I'm lucky. I work close enough that I can meander over in my lunch hour. A Friday night can be brutal. Avoid it if you can.

I love MEC. I do frequent my LBS I'll make the trip to Urbane if I need some obscure part. I love that MEC so different, offers different brands and different prices. And if you're into touring, it has it all....

I haven't had any problems at the Montreal store. It's not a real coop like Right to Move, for example, but their prices on Bike junk seems fairly reasonable. The clothing, however, is expensive.